Northwest North Carolina, Southwest Virginia, and Southeast West Virginia – A Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Friday afternoon through Sunday afternoon across large portions of the southern Appalachians, with accumulating snow and hazardous travel conditions possible.
According to the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, snow accumulations of 4 to 8 inches are possible across the region, with the highest totals expected south of Route 460. The watch includes much of northwest North Carolina, southwest Virginia, and Mercer County in southeast West Virginia.
Counties under the watch include areas surrounding Boone, Wilkesboro, Mount Airy, Roanoke, Blacksburg, Radford, Pulaski, Wytheville, Galax, Martinsville, Danville, Lynchburg, and Bluefield. Snow is expected to begin Friday afternoon, with impacts increasing Friday evening and continuing through the weekend.
Forecasters warn that travel could become very difficult, particularly during the Friday evening commute, as snow accumulates on roadways. Gusty winds developing Saturday night into Sunday may cause blowing and drifting snow, leading to poor visibility in exposed areas.
The Winter Storm Watch indicates that conditions are favorable for significant winter weather, though snowfall amounts and timing may change. Residents are urged to monitor forecast updates closely and prepare for hazardous road conditions throughout the weekend.
